Survivor: Gabon, Episode 3

I love the way in these early episodes that they don't even try to be subtle about foreshadowing who is going to lose the challenges. One conflict is set up, and that conflict is explored all the way through tribal council. Because really that is what I want to see. Not the conflict itself, per se, but the interactions between people. I'm just trying to get to know people. One more throwaway week to go where someone starts talking and you start and say "Who the heck is that and why have I never seen them before?", and then we'll be in good territory again.

So lets see. Ace is not growing on me. I am a big lover of accented people, but at one point I turned to David and said "Is his accent real?", and then two seconds later someone on the show made the exact same comment. Sometimes it sounds British, and sometimes it sounds, well, that kind of British that you hear in India, if that makes any sense. Which to me = fake. Also he is acting extremely cocky considering his entire alliance consists of Sugar.

Sugar, however, is growing on me, despite her bad taste in men. Not that I expect many great things from her, but it was enjoyable when she was attacked by ants. And anyone who finds the idol gets a point from me, even if it did seem on the easy side (Nick Lachey must be so sad after seeing last nights episode.) Question: Did she really come close to an elephant in the jungle or was that just "clever" editing?

The first challenge was kinda boring, I always cringe a little at the wrestling challenges. But what jumped out at me was that the Gold Medalist finally looked like an athlete. She must have gotten some new, lighter shoes or something, because she totally outperformed GQ, or whatever his name is. Last week I was giving him the benefit of the doubt as he was put in a hard position with the whole "be our leader" thing. But he seems intent on fulfilling the typical quota of the lazy African American man position. I don't know why the producers seem to love that "type", but they've had one almost every season the show has been on. And anyone who takes breaks during the challenge is to be mocked, period.

But this weeks battle is about Ace vs Paloma. Frankly I didn't really care much. Paloma seems nice enough, but I don't know her well enough to root for her. And while I doubt I will ever have a warm feeling towards someone who is speaking in a fake accent (what kind of strategy is that?), at least he has the potential of being a game changer. Especially now that he has the idol. However the look on his face when he got his second vote was priceless.

I will give Paloma credit for approaching the bitch pharmaceutical rep, I forget her name, but doesn't she look a lot like Erin Moran? And in a good way. Anyway, I like that she sort of seems to be running the show over at alliance land. When she is talking to the gay boy and he gushes "You are so smart!" I laughed out loud, but also appreciate his game. I bet she LOVES hearing that. But I can't wait for her and doctor-boy turn on each other, because that will be awesome. So for now, I want them to the end.

Oh, also props to the video game guy for coming from behind to win the math puzzle. That win was earned. I can see him totally growing on me, even though he lost his girlfriend already. They are going to have to get rid of the other old lady soon, but that wedding video guy is really annoying. Along with GQ, that team is pretty much a mess. But I'm glad they are winning some and aren't just getting decimated.

I'm very curious about next weeks "rate your team" challenge. It is pretty early for something like that, so that is bound to shake things up. We'll see how smart the bitch is after all.